Esk Valley Railway is supported by the not-for-profit
Esk Valley Railway Development Company (EVRDC), a community rail
partnership which helps to promote the line to the residents and
visitors.

The Esk Valley Railway Development Company (EVRDC) was
set up in 2003 to promote the Esk Valley Railway to the community it
serves and to the wider community.

It was designated by the Department for Transport as a Community Rail Partnership in 2005.

Community Railway lines are many and varied, all with
their own unique characteristics. Some serve urban areas and others,
like the Esk Valley Railway, serve areas and communities in remote
rural and coastal regions. The Esk Valley Railway which runs through
the North York Moors National Park is renowned for its picturesque
villages and stunning scenery.

Apart from the essential service bringing Esk Valley
students to secondary school, the number of visitors to Whitby has
grown exponentially since 2003 and is reflected in the data collected
by EVRDC.

EVRDC markets the line, distributes timetables throughout the Esk Valley and continues to highlight the need for an
improved service, including the reintroduction of a commuter service to
Middlesbrough to improve job opportunites and for access to further
education.

The opening of the new James Cook station has also
emphasised the need for a better service and a year round Sunday
service to assist both patients, visitors and hospital staff from the
Esk Valley and Whitby to access the hospital of their choice - James
Cook University Hospital.

EVRDC is pleased to announce that the Department for
Transport has specified that the new Franchise, must include an early morning commuter service and a
year round Sunday service.